Three men were arrested in separate cases for Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree. In all of these cases, the suspects initiated contact with the ‘teens’ without any solicitation from the undercover detectives.
At 5 p.m. on August 17, Craig Larson Patterson, agreed to meet with a juvenile female, who was actually a Eugene Police Department detective investigating online crimes against children. Larson had arranged to meet the juvenile at a location for sexual acts. Craig Larson Patterson, age 56, of Springfield, showed up with some methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and a Electro-Muscular Disruption device. He was lodged for Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon. Case 21-12714
On August 13, at 2:15 p.m., Anthony John Melbye, age 36, of Salem, agreed to meet with a juvenile female, who was actually a Eugene Police Department detective investigating online crimes against children. Melbye arranged to meet the juvenile at a location for sexual acts, offered to buy her a dirt bike and provide her with drugs. Melbye was contacted by detectives and taken into custody without incident. He was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. He was lodged for Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree. Case 21-12487
On August 12 at 8:45 p.m., Daniel Albert Baszler, age 46 of Eugene, agreed to meet with a juvenile female, who was actually a Eugene Police Department detective investigating online crimes against children. The investigation began some time ago and on August 12, Baszler arranged to meet the juvenile at a location for sexual acts and to offer drugs. Baszler was taken into custody without incident on a charge of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Case 21-12427
“This is a sobering reminder of the ongoing online threats to our most vulnerable,” said Captain Shawn Adams. “In three of these incidents the suspects arrived to meet juvenile females with methamphetamines presumably to provide to the minors. It is a good reminder for parents to monitor their children’s online activity and engage in discussions regarding online safety. Detectives from the Eugene Police Department will continue to aggressively investigate online predators and hold them accountable for their actions.”
Tips for Parents and Guardians:
· Monitor your child's devices remotely and control access
· Be aware of communications between your child and others
· Beware of unexplained absences and behavior or sudden gifts or items they can’t afford or cash
· Understand cyber-crime and that “no one online is anonymous”
· If you child has a new game or app, spend time with them on it
· Set up an area where children can use their technology with a parents presence
· Consider not allowing your child to take a phone or computer with them into their room at night to sleep
· Understand appropriate protocols when a child discloses issues of sexting, or sextortion. Let your child know they can report concerns to you or another trusted adult
· Teach your child that it is o.k. to block users who make them uncomfortable
· Understand applications such as SnapChat, TikTok, Facebook, Google Hangouts, Instagram and more
There are some excellent online resources for parents to use in teaching their children about online safety. A good example if from the Federal Trade Commission: Protecting Kids Online | FTC Consumer Information